Lana Oconnell
Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects an individual's language-based processing skills, and many colleges and universities are now offering support services to help students with this condition. These services can include tutoring, note-taking assistance, assistive technology, and extended time on exams. Some universities have dedicated programs for dyslexic students, such as learning resource programs or learning services programs, while others provide peer mentors who have experience with dyslexia. Additionally, there are financial aid programs available to help students with dyslexia pay for college, including grants, scholarships, and loans. This article will explore the best universities for supporting dyslexic students and the resources they provide to help them succeed in higher education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dedicated programs for dyslexic students | Learning Resource Program, Learning Support Program, Center for Students with Disabilities, Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center |
| Support services | Tutoring, note-taking assistance, assistive technology, extended time on exams, audio textbooks, speech-to-text software, academic coaching, peer mentoring, scholarships, financial aid |
| Institutions | Landmark College, Adelphi University, DePaul University, Eastern Kentucky University, University of Arizona, Notre Dame, American University, Muskingum University, East Tennessee State University, West Virginia Wesleyan College |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and financial aid for dyslexic students
There are several scholarships and financial aid opportunities available for students with dyslexia. These awards can help offset the cost of college and provide much-needed financial support. Here are some examples of scholarships specifically for students with dyslexia or other learning disabilities:
The Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships
Offered by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, these scholarships are for students with specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia. The Anne Ford Scholarship awards $2,500 per year for four years, while the Allegra Ford-Thomas Scholarship offers the same amount for two years. Applications for both scholarships usually open in October.
Joseph James Morelli Scholarships
This scholarship offers awards ranging from $500 to $2,500 to students with dyslexia pursuing higher education in STEM fields. Applicants can be high school or post-high school students planning to attend an accredited undergraduate school, technical school, or community college in the United States.
P. Buckley Moss Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship provides an annual grant of up to $1,000 to high school seniors with language-related learning differences, including dyslexia. Applicants must plan to pursue a career in the visual arts.
Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award and Special Recognition Award
Offered by Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, a Connecticut-based nonprofit, these awards provide $1,000 and $500 respectively to students aged 19 or younger with learning disorders or ADHD who have demonstrated exceptional initiative, talent, and determination in any field.
In addition to these scholarships, students with dyslexia can also explore other financial aid options. Federal, state, and private loans and scholarships may be available, as well as grants such as Federal Pell Grants for undergraduates. Students can use scholarship search engines like Fastweb or Sallie Mae’s Scholarship Search to find opportunities that match their specific needs and qualifications. College financial aid offices can also provide valuable information and guidance on available financial assistance.
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Support services and programs
Many colleges and universities offer support services and programs for students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia. These services may include tutoring, note-taking assistance, assistive technology, and testing accommodations.
Some universities have dedicated centers or programs specifically for students with disabilities or learning differences. For example, the University of Michigan's Center for Students with Disabilities helps students with a wide range of needs, including extended time on tests, quiet workspaces, taped lectures, reduced course loads, tutoring, and adaptive technology. Similarly, DePaul University's Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) offers a range of accommodations and access to a Learning Specialist Clinician.
Other universities offer learning resource programs or learning services programs that provide individualized support for students with learning disabilities. For instance, Adelphi University's Learning Resource Program offers personalized sessions with educators and counselors, as well as access to assistive technology. Eastern Kentucky University's Center for Student Accessibility houses Project SUCCESS, which provides academic coaching, individualized tutoring, and focus groups to establish a robust social and intellectual support network.
Some colleges have unique initiatives to support students with learning disabilities. For example, West Virginia Wesleyan College incorporates Lindamood-Bell learning techniques to improve verbal expression and reading comprehension. The University of Arizona's Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center connects students with support specialists, tutors, and psychological services.
In addition to these services, students with dyslexia may benefit from using certain accommodations, such as extended time on exams, audio textbooks, and speech-to-text software, to help them succeed in their academic pursuits.
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Assistive technology
Text-to-Speech Software
Text-to-speech software can read textbooks and other materials aloud, making it easier for students with dyslexia to absorb information. Voice Dream Reader is recommended as the best app in the text-to-speech space. It allows users to highlight, take notes, and sync with Google Drive, Safari, email, DropBox, and other reading services. Users can also change the fonts, colours, and line spacing, making small text less intimidating.
Speech-to-Text Software
Speech-to-text software is also helpful for writing assignments. Built-in dictation tools on devices like phones, iPads, and Google Docs work incredibly well.
Word Prediction Software
Word prediction software can help with spelling correction, grammatical formatting, and digital writing. Co:Writer is recommended as the best writing tool for people with dyslexia. It allows users to build libraries of words based on what they are writing about or select from pre-existing libraries. For instance, if a user starts typing "H-o-g", Hogwarts will come up. The app also does a good job of recognizing phonetic misspelling.
Reading Pens
Reading pens are particularly helpful for reading handwritten material not available through text-to-speech programs or for mild dyslexics who struggle with multisyllabic words but don't need all text read out loud.
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Tutoring and peer mentoring
Many colleges and universities offer tutoring and peer mentoring services to support students with dyslexia. These services can provide academic, social, and emotional support to help students succeed in their studies and build their confidence.
Tutoring
Tutoring services can offer academic support to students with dyslexia, helping them improve their study skills and achieve their academic goals. For example, Beacon College's Center for Student Success offers academic support through peer tutors and professional learning specialists who assist with exam preparation, note-taking, and other core competencies. Similarly, the University of Denver's Learning Effectiveness Program provides subject-specific tutoring and time management assistance.
Some universities, such as Northeastern University, offer dedicated specialists who meet with students regularly to enhance their academic and life skills, while also guiding them towards other tutoring resources on campus. The University of Arizona's Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center connects students with CRLA-certified tutors and provides tech support for classroom tools, mind-mapping, speech-to-text software, and more.
Peer Mentoring
Peer mentoring programs can provide emotional support and help students build a sense of belonging and community. For instance, the University of Iowa's Realizing Educational and Career Hopes (REACH) program supports students with learning disabilities through social skill-building resources and peer mentoring. Adelphi University's Bridges to Adelphi Program pairs each participant with a peer mentor, fostering friendship and guidance during the transition to college.
Additionally, the University of Connecticut's Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) offers a peer-to-peer mentorship program, while Southern Methodist University provides peer mentoring to galvanize success among dyslexic students.
When choosing a university, it is important to research the specific tutoring and peer mentoring services available to ensure they meet your individual needs as a student with dyslexia.
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Learning centres and disability resource offices
Many colleges and universities have learning centres and disability resource offices that provide support services for students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia. These services may include tutoring, note-taking assistance, assistive technology, and testing accommodations.
For example, the University of Arizona houses the Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center, a program that supports students with a wide range of learning disabilities, including dyslexia. SALT offers personalised support from student support specialists, CRLA-certified tutors, tech support, psychological services, and academic skills modules.
Eastern Kentucky University's Center for Student Accessibility is home to Project SUCCESS, a comprehensive initiative that accommodates the needs of differently-abled students. Features include academic coaching, individualised tutoring, focus groups, note-taking services, assistive reading and writing technology, and test accommodations. The university also offers a scholarship program for applicants with dyslexia and/or another reading-based learning disability.
DePaul University's Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) specialises in meeting the needs of students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders. CSD offers more than a dozen free accommodations, including academic advising, a peer-to-peer mentorship program, technology and interpretation services, and study abroad help for students with disabilities.
Adelphi University's Learning Resource Program is a comprehensive support and learning program for students with ADHD, language processing disorders, and other learning challenges such as dyslexia. The program offers personalised sessions with educators and counsellors, access to assistive technology, and peer mentorship.
West Virginia Wesleyan College's Learning Center provides a variety of support services, including the Mentoring Advantage Program, an Assistive Technology Lab, and the incorporation of Lindamood-Bell learning techniques to improve verbal expression and reading comprehension.
East Tennessee State University's Learning Support Program offers individualised advising, subject tutoring, testing accommodations, and assistive technology.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some US universities with programs that support dyslexic students:
- The University of Arizona
- American University
- Adelphi University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- DePaul University
- Notre Dame
- Muskingum University
- East Tennessee State University
Support for dyslexic students can include tutoring, note-taking assistance, assistive technology, extended time on exams, audio textbooks, and speech-to-text software. Some universities also offer scholarships specifically for dyslexic students.
Many universities have a disability resource office or disability services office, which can be a good place to start. You can also try contacting the university's financial aid office to ask about scholarships for dyslexic students.
